Step into a landscape where time itself has turned ancient trees into rainbow-hued stone at Petrified Forest National Park. This remarkable park in northeastern Arizona showcases one of the world's largest and most colorful collections of petrified wood, dating back more than 225 million years to when this desert was a lush tropical forest. The park's otherworldly terrain features vast badlands, vibrant hills painted in layers of red, blue, and purple minerals, and countless pieces of crystallized wood that sparkle under the desert sun. Visitors can explore the park's fascinating terrain through five distinct trails that wind through this prehistoric landscape. Each path offers unique perspectives of the park's geological wonders, from close-up views of massive petrified logs to sweeping vistas of the painted desert badlands. While hiking these trails, keep an eye out for petroglyphs left by ancient peoples, diverse wildlife adapted to the high desert environment, and the ever-changing play of light and shadow across the colorful geological formations. The park's relatively flat terrain makes most trails accessible to visitors of various hiking abilities, allowing everyone to experience this remarkable outdoor museum of natural history.
